Autocar drives the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

The first reviews of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is are starting to come in and BMWBLOG will also have the chance to drive the super-sporty …

The first reviews of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is are starting to come in and BMWBLOG will also have the chance to drive the super-sporty Z4 35is in May. The sDrive35is carries under the hood an upgraded version of the popular N54 engine or in everybody’s language, the award winning six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine.

The tuned up engine produces 335 horsepower (340hp in Europe) at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”. An electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This brings the torque peak to 369 lb-ft.

With the technical details out of the way, let’s have find out about the driving impressions.

What’s it like?

Faster, certainly. Beyond a freer flowing exhaust there are no mechanical changes to the 35is’s motor over the 35i’s. That’s okay – the turbocharged 3.0-liter ‘six was already a stonker.

The way the 35is picks up and pulls cleanly through its rev range is world-class, and now it comes with the kind of exhaust rasp that’s been missing from the line-up since the demise of the old M3. Economy and emissions are on a par with the regular 35i, too.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard and, save for the usual second-first hesitancy when maneuvering, it shifts cleanly.

It constitutes part of a generous standard kit-list that also includes lowered suspension with adaptive dampers and the option to choose between Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings.

Should I buy one?

Maybe. Like other Z4s the 35is lacks the precision and poise of a Boxster, but steering feel has been slightly improved thanks a mildly re-worked rack, and there’s still fun to be had – with equal weight distribution, rear-drive and 335bhp, how could there not be?

2 responses to “Autocar drives the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is”

I would take this over the boxter which is for those who cant afford a 911 , and the bmw knows better in Reliability , Luxury , Fuel Economy , Joy , Every day use , and its cheaper and much more beautiful , comfortable … and much more